Young Woman Reading by a Window
1855
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1855
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows a woman sitting by a window, reading a book. She’s dressed in a long, loose dress and a hat, with her feet on a stool. Outside the window, there’s a small ledge holding two flowerpots, and a mirror hangs on the wall behind her. The room looks simple, with rough walls and a chair tucked under a table. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show light and shadow. This style highlights the everyday moment instead of polished details. The window lets in soft light, making the scene feel calm and real. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this create texture with acid and ink.